How to Install Nerf Bars

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Trucks and SUVs continue to grow to gargantuan proportions. That's great if you have a big brood of kids or a ton of lumber to haul around. But, the human body has not kept up with these vehicle growth spurts, so the mere act of climbing in and out of a rig requires the skill and coordination of a Russian acrobat.

Nerf Bars are Your Best Bet

Luckily, you don't have to walk around with a grappling hook anymore—you just need a set of nerf bars. Also called truck steps, these ingenious accessories span the length of your cab, giving you a steady spot to step up and step down.

Not only do they cut the distance between your cabin and the concrete below, the nerf bars installation process is actually quite simple. Any handy automotive owner with a set of hand tools, a place to work and a few chilled cans of liquid skill can bolt on some Silverado nerf bars or Toyota Tacoma nerf bars. There are just a few simple steps to follow:

Installing Your Nerf Bars

Installing nerf bars is a lot easier when you have someone to lend a hand. However, asking a buddy to help you work on your ride is like asking them to help you move—there's not a lot in it for them. The best way to coax them over to your garage is simple: grub. If a succulent brisket BBQ is waiting for them at the end of the job, they're more likely to sign up. Plus, they can do all the heavy lifting while you watch the grill. Win/win.

Open the packaging for your nerf bars and verify that you have all the hardware. Then, read through the installation instructions (skip this step at your peril…you've been warned).

If your vehicle has factory-drilled mounting holes in the frame, then line up the mounting brackets with these holes and tighten up the bolts. If your vehicle does not have factory-drilled holes, you'll need to drill them yourself following the manufacturer's instructions.

Once the mounting brackets are firmly anchored to your frame, connect the nerf bars to the brackets, making sure that they're centered along your cockpit. Tighten all the bolts, and you're done.

What are the Best Nerf Bars for Your Vehicle?

One thing to keep in mind, though, is that these instructions for how to install nerf bars are general guidelines. The process is a little different for each vehicle. For example, step bars for a Dodge Ram will go on one way while the process for Toyota nerf bars might vary a tad.

To ensure that your installation goes as smoothly as possible, be sure to start with a quality nerf bar. There are a lot of companies out there that bend metal tubing and call themselves nerf bar manufacturers, but the most trusted brands spend the time to create premium mounting brackets along with a quality set of bars. Go Rhino, Romik and Westin step bars are some of the most popular and most respected options out there. If you go with these brands, you'll know for sure that their 2010 4Runner nerf bars are going to fit to your 2010 4Runner. Don't forget to check out our nerf bars tech center to get more insightful information that you need.